How to Stand Out as a Career Changer: Getting Noticed by Employers and Recruiters

Shifting gears - changing careers- wanting to pivot professionally… No matter what you call it too often which ever category you may fall into, many professionals go to market with the same tools they used when they first graduated from college and/or as if they were approaching the market to find a job in their same field. BIG MISTAKE!

The number one mistake a jobseeker makes is trying to go to market with a chronological résumé without focusing on their transferable skills, in which case a functional resume format is often more effective.

Here is the problem: The Hiring Manager or Recruiter cannot tell from a chronological resume what is it you really want to do next. Simply stating you are searching for a different job title doesn't quite cut it either. Therefore, without calling attention to your transferable skill, such as management or leadership skills, financial management, critical thinking, etc., the reader is truly left to infer what you may want to do next. And let's face it, no one really has time for that.

Did you know a resume is skimmed in 20-30 seconds?

So to be successful in a career shift, I recommend a self-audit to include the following:

Step 1: Make sure you’re going to market with the correct résumé. Most likely you’ll need a functional format that leads with your transferable skills.

Step 2: Make sure you have a robust career summary that includes the job title you’re targeting as well as the core competencies that are needed to quickly demonstrate your value and problems you will solve.

Step 3: Write a cover letter that is simple, direct and to the point stating the value you can add quickly and the problems you can solve. Caution: do not regurgitate what is already on your résumé. Instead, share a quick example that will make you stand out as a candidate - something that is not already included in your resume, i.e. an experience, an accomplishment, etc.

Step 4: Interview for information and clarity. Networking is even more critical especially when you are looking to shift gears. Keep in mind only about a third of jobs are actually posted on a job board. So, conduct informational interviews with individuals already in the career you desire.

Step 5: Know what you want and how you can make an impact... immediately. You’ve got to be crystal clear on your value proposition when you’re interviewing especially when you’re looking to shift gears or the interviewer will be unclear on how you can help them and why you should be the person to fill their next open position.

If you have been 'hoping' for a different career and been unsuccessful in landing that new role, perhaps we should talk. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again."

Let's meet soon at a time that works for you. HERE is a link to my calendar to schedule your complimentary strategy session now.